Foundation Accountant

SPU Seattle Pacific University; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Pacific University is seeking an Accountant to join the Seattle Pacific Foundation finance team. The role supports accounting, investment reporting, endowment and trust accounting, financial reporting, audits, tax filings, and board operations.

The position offers exposure to investment portfolios, charitable trusts, endowments, nonprofit accounting, and university finance within a mission-driven organization.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.
• 3-5 years of professional accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with accounting software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• High integrity, professionalism, discretion, and fiduciary responsibility.
• Interest in investment accounting, endowments, trusts, or nonprofit financial management.

Responsibilities

• Accounting & Financial Reporting: Perform accounting for Foundation and University investment, trust, endowment, and financial activities; prepare journal entries, reconciliations, adjustments, and closing entries; maintain accurate records in accordance with GAAP; support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Investments, Endowments & Trust Accounting: Maintain accounting records for Foundation investment pools, endowments, and charitable trusts; record investment income, market activity, capital gains, distributions, and other investment transactions; assist with trust accounting and reporting for beneficiaries and trustors; monitor activity and help ensure accurate valuation and reporting.
• Audit, Tax & Compliance: Assist in preparing annual audited financial statements and supporting documentation; support preparation of IRS Form 990, trust tax returns, Washington State filings, and other regulatory reports; assist with annual audit activities and coordination with external auditors; help maintain strong internal controls to safeguard assets.
• Foundation Board & Donor Support: Prepare reports and materials for Foundation Board meetings; coordinate meeting logistics, minutes, and records; communicate professionally with donors, trustors, outside advisors, and board members; support annual trustor communications and stewardship activities.
• Collaboration & Operational Excellence: Partner with University Finance and Business & Finance teams to ensure accurate financial reporting; maintain an understanding of Foundation accounting systems and processes; provide excellent customer service while maintaining confidentiality and fiduciary responsibility; contribute to continuous improvement of procedures.

Skills

GAAP

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Excel

Accounting software

Written communication

Verbal communication

Independence

Fiduciary responsibility

Investment accounting interest

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Associate's degree in Accounting or related field

CPA license or Accounting Certificate

Tools

Workday

Argos

Banner

Adavico

Job description

Overview

Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community. The Seattle Pacific Foundation partners with Seattle Pacific University to steward charitable gifts, endowments, trusts, and investments that advance the University's mission. Through sound financial management and careful stewardship, the Foundation supports scholarships, academic programs, faculty, and strategic initiatives that make a lasting impact on students and the broader SPU community.

What We Need

Seattle Pacific University is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Accountant to join the Seattle Pacific Foundation finance team. This position supports accounting, investment reporting, endowment and trust accounting, financial reporting, audits, tax filings, and board operations. The ideal candidate enjoys complex accounting work, has exceptional attention to detail, and values accuracy, collaboration, and stewardship. The role offers exposure to investment portfolios, charitable trusts, endowments, nonprofit accounting, and university finance within a mission-driven organization.

What You’ll Do

• Accounting & Financial Reporting: Perform accounting for Foundation and University investment, trust, endowment, and financial activities; prepare journal entries, reconciliations, adjustments, and closing entries; maintain accurate records in accordance with GAAP; support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Investments, Endowments & Trust Accounting: Maintain accounting records for Foundation investment pools, endowments, and charitable trusts; record investment income, market activity, capital gains, distributions, and other investment transactions; assist with trust accounting and reporting for beneficiaries and trustors; monitor activity and help ensure accurate valuation and reporting.
• Audit, Tax & Compliance: Assist in preparing annual audited financial statements and supporting documentation; support preparation of IRS Form 990, trust tax returns, Washington State filings, and other regulatory reports; assist with annual audit activities and coordination with external auditors; help maintain strong internal controls to safeguard assets.
• Foundation Board & Donor Support: Prepare reports and materials for Foundation Board meetings; coordinate meeting logistics, minutes, and records; communicate professionally with donors, trustors, outside advisors, and board members; support annual trustor communications and stewardship activities.
• Collaboration & Operational Excellence: Partner with University Finance and Business & Finance teams to ensure accurate financial reporting; maintain an understanding of Foundation accounting systems and processes; provide excellent customer service while maintaining confidentiality and fiduciary responsibility; contribute to continuous improvement of procedures.

What You Bring

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field
• 3-5 years of professional accounting experience
• Strong understanding of GAAP
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Advanced attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong Excel skills and experience with accounting software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• High integrity, professionalism, discretion, and fiduciary responsibility
• Interest in investment accounting, endowments, trusts, or nonprofit financial management

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field
• 5+ years of accounting experience
• CPA license or Accounting Certificate
• Experience with nonprofit, higher education, foundation, trust, or investment accounting
• Familiarity with investment accounting, charitable trusts, endowments, and multiple asset classes
• Experience with Workday, Argos, Banner, Adavico, or similar enterprise financial systems

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience. Status: Full-time, exempt. Department: Seattle Pacific Foundation. Reports To: Foundation Director of Finance & Treasurer. Location: Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA (on-campus position).

Benefits: SPU pays employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance; provides HSA/HRA contributions; contributes 7% to a retirement account with immediate vesting (as eligible); and offers a tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.

How to Apply

Please complete the online application through Workday and be prepared to submit the following materials: Resume, Cover Letter.

About SPU

Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university with a long history of engaging culture and pursuing excellence. SPU is committed to building an excellent staff and faculty and fostering a diverse, inclusive community aligned with its mission. SPU provides reasonable accommodation to applicants upon request. For accessibility information, contact Human Resources.